Maurice Jones-Drew gets back in swing of things quickly for Jags

Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew gains yardage against the Vikings on Sunday in Minneapolis, Minn.

Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew and Vikings running back Adrian Peterson talk after Sunday's game in Minneapolis.

MINNEAPOLIS | Any plan the Jaguars had for easing Maurice Jones-Drew into action lasted less than two quarters.

Playing without the benefit of training camp or preseason games because of his 38-day holdout, Jones-Drew was thrust into the starting role when Rashad Jennings sustained a knee injury early in the Jaguars’ 26-23 overtime loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. The results, aside from the loss, were positive. Jones-Drew carried 19 times for 77 yards, caught three passes for 18 yards and didn’t look out of place assignment-wise. He played in a game that he didn’t start for the first time since December 2008.

“There was one point where it was a little rough,” he said. “I worked myself during the holdout to be ready for anything.”

Anything came quickly. Jones-Drew played only two snaps on the opening 17-play scoring possession and took three of the four snaps on the second drive. Jennings departed for good after a 9-yard run on the third drive that set up the Jaguars’ first touchdown.

“I obviously didn’t plan on playing and carrying the ball that much,” he said. “But that’s what we needed to do to try and get the victory.”

Jones-Drew found the sledding tough throughout. He had three carries of at least 10 yards, but 11 rushes went for 3 or fewer yards.

“I think he did well,” Mularkey said. “I still think he has some work to do, but I was proud with how he picked up the system. I don’t remember anything blatant he missed, and I thought he ran the ball extremely well. Obviously, I was glad he was available.”

Said quarterback Blaine Gabbert: “He’s worked his tail off to come in and be in shape and be ready to play. He knew he was going to play. He did a great job.”

Mularkey reiterated afterward there was not a set playing time amount for Jones-Drew, but the coaches made a point of getting him in the game early — he carried on his first snap (the Jaguars’ third offensive play).

“The first time taken to the ground, after that, it was, ‘Just run the ball,’” Jones-Drew said.

And now for Jones-Drew it will be about just playing.

“It was good to be out there, stay in a rhythm, be in the passing game, block, get hit,” he said. “I just want to understand the offense more and continue to improve.”